Original subtitles

We're going to need 800 million

to start a war and see it through.

- There won't be a war. - Everyone has too much to lose.

As a wedding present, Olivia, I've arranged for your freedom.

Yes!

A list of names is going up in the Forum,

and 100,000 sesterces on every head.

Warn everyone you can think of.

It's nothing personal.

Which side do we take now?

We're going to Sicily.

Open your legs.

Nice and wide.

They're dead. And so are our kids!

But at least you're all right.

Antigone!

- Wine. - Ooh.

I hate this sort of thing.

Gaius.

Fuck you.

Fuck you all.

Give us your money and die.

From his hiding place on the island of Sicily,

the rebel Sextus Pompeius

has begged us for peace!

The sea lanes to Rome are open again!

The grain ships are coming!

The famine is over!

Oh, no.

Haven't you finished with me yet?

Haven't you punished me enough?

Livia!

I'm fucking...

fucking...

pregnant.

Livia.

Hey.

Are you insane?

How can I be pregnant?

My wife...

smashing up his household shrine,

in front of the slaves,

offending all the gods and our host at the same time!

You haven't been near me.

Haven't you forgotten we are completely...

Hey!

We're completely dependent on his charity.

Only that one time.

He's been taking a risk.

Huh? He's taking a risk sheltering us.

Do you understand that?

Our enemies are all around us!

Antonius, Lepidus, Gaius.

Sicily is the last refuge left.

This is it for us.

Oh, I know.

Go and explain yourself to Sextus.

He just got back from Rome.

Mama.

Oh, hey.

Oh...

Tiberius.

I'm sorry, Sextus.

In your position, I...

probably wouldn't have taken an axe to the gods.

What have they ever done for me?

I heard your news.

I have some of my own.

It concerns you both.

You need to hear it.

I hope my wife apologized.

They signed the treaty.

The dictators.

Well, I thought that was all dead.

- The treaty with them. - Just dragging on.

Negotiations.

But a winter without food changed their minds.

We're now allies.

My position here has been formally recognized,

and in return I'm raising the blockade on Rome.

Huh! That's good news for you. Of course.

Part of the treaty is an amnesty

for everyone outlawed, exiled during the wars.

Which obviously includes you, Nero.

Hold on.

They agreed an amnesty?

For me?

Well, for everyone.

Right.

We can go home?

You can go home.

Quite a day.

Maybe you, uh, should offend the gods more often.

Mm, I forgot myself. It won't happen again.

No.

I feel sick.

Good night.

Good night.

Shh.

Is it mine?

I don't think it can be, no.

I'm grateful for what you did.

Forcing the amnesty clause into the treaty.

- It was your idea. - You did it.

You brought Rome to its knees.

How does that feel?

Mm.

You don't have to go back.

You're contracted to marry Scribonia's niece

to seal your alliance with Gaius Julius.

And I won't be a mistress.

There's nothing for you in Rome.

My house, my inheritance...

my life.

It's all in Rome, Sextus.

And I want it back.

Oh, the gods! I hate being pregnant.

Try having three in four years.

Marcus Antonius was always a bull.

Oh, I forgot to tell you,

I had a visit yesterday from my cousin, Libo.

You may not know,

he's now the legal guardian of Livia Drusilla,

now that her father's dead.

He wanted to know if anything could be done

for Livia and her husband.

What? She's still alive?

They're back in Rome, penniless. And they're living at Libo's.

- The amnesty, of course. - Mm.

Libo said they spent the winter in Sicily with Sextus Pompeius.

He's obviously hoping that you'll talk to Gaius.

Yes, they're hoping to get some of their property back.

- What a nerve. - Mm.

I can't just do nothing.

Libo's family. And he wants them out of his house.

Just send them some food and a slave or something.

Where's the fun in that?

You can't have forgotten what she said to us at her wedding.

No.

But that was a long time ago.

Aren't you curious to see Livia again?

Now that you mention it, not really.

Well, I am.

- I'll take this. - You like?

Why?

What have you got in mind?

Mama.

Shh.

Libo.

Did you hear anything back from Scribonia?

Look, Livia...

You did go and see her?

Yes, but... I did try to tell you,

she brought up your wedding... again.

And of course, you never really got on.

I mean, frankly I never thought there was any chance

she'd talk to her husband on your behalf,

and if she did that he'd listen.

- Thank you. - I'm sorry.

Livia, come and work the loom with us.

Livia, you can't go out alone.

Husband.

Tycho.

Daddy.

It's me.

And here, Little Bear...

is the mausoleum of our family.

All our ancestors are here in these urns.

Twenty-eight consuls and five dictators.

We don't mention the dictators.

No, we don't.

And this is my father.

He'll have the wine.

And today we're also honoring Publius Claudius Pulcher.

250 years ago,

he was the consul in charge of the Roman fleet

before a great sea battle.

And naturally he consulted the gods before he attacked,

but the priests told him

the sacred chickens were refusing to eat.

So what did he do?

Oh, he flew into a temper and roared,

"Then they can fucking well drink!"

And then he threw the lot of them into the sea.

He lost the battle

but taught us a valuable lesson.

Never drown chickens.

- Never lose your temper. - Mm-hmm.

I'll be back tomorrow. I've got to look for Antigone.

Libo? Excuse me.

Libo, uh, I need your advice.

As my friend, understand?

Rather than Livia's guardian.

Obviously, Livia's family still has important connections,

- as you do, Libo. - Yeah.

But Livius is gone and so is all the money.

And with this amnesty,

I'm hoping to get some of my properties back,

but it's obviously going to drag on through the courts,

and these things are always political.

So I was wondering if I should divorce Livia

and marry someone whose family'd be more useful

in the current climate...

less associated with the Republic.

A quiet, obedient widow with plenty of money.

Right.

Let me think about it.

Eh.

It's not like Livia ever tried very hard in bed,

and her father made the mistake of educating her like a boy,

which of course nobody wants in a wife.

Well, quite.

Shall we get a whore before we go back?

There won't be time before dinner.

Prima.

We thought you were dead.

Domina.

- What? - I need to get rid of it.

I've come back for my birthright.

But for that I need a new husband.

Someone with money and influence.

And for that... I need to get rid of this.

Listen, Domina...

if you don't bleed to death, you'll never give birth again.

I'm a pregnant beggar with no dowry.

What man will have me like this?

Antigone would know how to do it.

She's back in Rome. Did you know?

No.

- Where? - She was sold.

- In the market. - What?

She'd lost everything. Prima!

There was nothing to be done.

- The Suburra. - I'll come back for you.

Oh!

...that I just think that a man of my experience...

Oh, there you are, husband.

This slave's just arrived

as a gift for Livia from Scribonia.

From Scribonia?

Livia asked me to approach her privately

to see if she could speak to Gaius Julius on...

- on your behalf. - What?

What was Livia thinking? She knows Scribonia can't stand her.

I told her it was hopeless, but I had to ask.

There's also a note.

I don't believe it.

Well, it is absurdly extravagant.

She could've bought them an apartment for the same money.

I'm afraid she'll have to sleep in your room, Nero.

Oh, where's Livia?

Where is Livia?

Hi!

Darling...

Nice to see some class in here finally.

Good evening, Lady.

Good evening.

Except, you're not quite a lady, are you?

No slaves to guide you, to protect you,

to hold your purse.

No rings, no necklace, no jewelry.

Oh, that plain dress from last year's fashion.

I can take you on trial till the Kalends.

You'll have food, wine, and a mattress.

I want a woman.

An African.

Oh.

Apart from that, all I require from you

is obedience and discretion.

Then welcome to the House of Balbina.

Lady.

Please.

She is from Africa.

- Mm-mm. - What about her?

Turn, please.

Don't you have any others?

How lovely to see you.

She's from Africa.

We keep her here because she tries to escape.

She'll do. Get out.

Ten asses.

Antigone.

Oh!

Oh, Antigone. Oh, my God.

Oh. Come here. Come here.

Antigone. Antigone.

He took Tiberius and went.

I couldn't find you. I didn't know where you were!

He beat me unconscious in the forest.

When I came around, you'd gone.

I screamed and screamed, but you never came.

I didn't know where you were, so I'm sorry.

I didn't know.

I'll get you out.

Get her. - I don't know how yet,

but I will.

I will! I will!

Livia!

Livia...

Get your fucking hands off me!

No one ever escaped from here, although many have tried!

If you ever come back here again, whoever you are,

We will put you to work for the rest of your fucking life!

Thank you.

Lady, where have you been?

Soap and water.

Quickly.

You could've been killed.

Oh, Livia.

Where have you been?

Out of the house all day and all night.

This is no way for a Roman lady.

Is that my dress?

What have you trodden in?

I'm sorry.

Livia... Forgive me,

but I've begun to notice all is not well with your marriage.

And I have even, on occasion,

heard you contradict your husband.

Yes, I have.

Dear Livia,

I beg you to remember your place and consider your conduct.

The duty of every Roman woman

is to bear and raise children for Rome,

to support her husband without question in all things,

and to set an example to others of modesty, chastity and virtue.

Of course, Herennia, you're right.

And if I may say,

helping me with the weaving would be a good start.

The slaves notice these things.

Thank you.

Now, go to your husband.

He has good news.

Uh...?

What's this?

Where have you been all day?

Hmm?

I went to look for Antigone.

- Antigone? - Mm.

You're my wife. You can't wander Rome on your own.

So, is she the good news I've been hearing about?

I can't believe you got Libo to approach Scribonia

without even telling me. What were you thinking?

Did she invite us to dinner?

Gaius Julius has invited me to dinner... at his house.

Of course, you'll be expected to go with me.

Of course...

you know what this means?

Of course.

I'm back in the game.

What are you smiling about?

I have a bad feeling about tonight.

This is a mistake, Scribonia.

What do you want me to do, cancel?

I'm just concerned you... we...

one might be seen to be gloating.

I'm just inviting them to dinner.

What's so bad about that?

A petty sort of revenge under the guise of kindness.

I just invited them to fucking dinner.

Oh!

Perhaps I know you better than you know yourself.

I'll be very nice to Livia, I promise.

All right?

I can't believe they're keeping us waiting.

You shouldn't have worn the toga.

We've met before?

With my father, yes.

The night of the killings. Nero!

Let me do the talking, please.

No need for the toga.

We're very informal here.

Ah...

Livia.

I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to see you again.

Thank you.

Livia. You're all grown up.

So are you.

Isn't it funny?

Both of us pregnant at the same time.

And Octavia. It's a nice house.

Is Marcus Antonius here?

He sends his compliments.

Maecenas is here though.

Oh, good.

Very nice. Did you choose the colors?

Of course, it's not as big as your father's house was.

No.

I know the family that bought that.

Made a fortune in slaves.

Of course, you would know people like that.

I hope you got a nice discount on the one you sent me.

I actually thought you might have learned a bit of humility.

You've no idea what I've learned.

This time it's you that's lucky to be invited.

Livia, when are you due?

Around the end of the year.

- How about you? - Autumn.

And you've got a little boy, too?

The image of his father.

Well, I prefer the fights.

Half the time I think the races are fixed.

Did you see that driver get killed last month?

Not mine at least. That was a mess.

Nero, the thing I can't stand is the fucking theater.

So, do tell us about your travels, Livia.

Been all over since we last saw you.

Yes, we were outlaws on the run for years.

Italy, Athens...

Sicily and Sparta. Anywhere that would have us.

- Hunted like pigs in a forest. - Livia.

With a price on our heads.

Troubled times. Everyone understands that.

Perhaps it's sad I had to lose everything

to gain a little humility and wisdom.

But, as my father always said,

"If you want to watch the races...

you have to pay at the gate."

Didn't he kill himself at Philippi?

You sell yourself short, Livia.

How many wives abandoned their husbands

- when they were outlawed? - Mm, some even betrayed them.

We honor your loyalty and courage.

My father would've expected it.

We honor him, too.

Excuse me.

I... I apologize for my wife.

It's okay. Let me.

She provoked me.

You didn't hear what she said to me before dinner.

Did you see her looking at my husband?

Octavia!

I apologize if we upset you.

You didn't.

I had great respect for your father.

I regret what had to happen.

I always used to wonder who warned him before the killings.

We should see if maybe something might be done

for your situation.

I didn't come back here to beg.

Then what did you come back for?

To find a new husband.

Anyone in particular?

Livia.

Thank you both for tonight.

We won't keep you up any longer.

Don't forget the leftovers.

Thank you.

Nobody touched the dormice.

Thank you.

You can't be taken in by all of that.

It was all a fucking act.

There are reports of plague in the Suburra.

You didn't hear what she said to me in the atrium.

Octavia's leaving for Greece with her husband,

and I want you to go with her, as far as the sea.

Are you punishing me?

No, it's for your health.

Just for a while.

And the baby's.

You're leaving as well?

Years of war, Gaius,

struggle... and luck,

have brought you here.

To this place.

I'd be very sorry to see you throw it all away...

doing something stupid.

- Get rid of these. - Thank you, Tycho.

Well, how'd it go?

Uh...

no Marcus Antonius,

no offer of preferment,

and no mention of getting any property back.

Oh, and - this will surprise you -

Livia embarrassed herself and everyone else

with her big mouth.

And I was the only cunt in a fucking toga!

- Why did he invite you, then? - He didn't.

Don't men know anything?

Do you think she'd marry me?

Livia.

Her family connections...

for someone like me.

She's obviously fertile.

I don't even mind that she's clever.

What do you think?

She couldn't do better.

Goodness, Livia.

You're always looking out the door.

Whatever are you waiting for?

Tiberius!

The boy seems rather odd.

I can never get through to him. Did you breast-feed?

There was no wet nurse.

He grew up in woods and fields.

He saw things no one should have to, let alone a child.

But unless you're a mother, you wouldn't understand.

I had three children while you were away from Rome.

But they all died.

Forgive me.

Livia? Who's that?

An escort for Livia Drusilla.

Where are you going? Livia?

What?

I'll never be your mistress or anybody else's.

And yet, here you are.

You needed to see what you were buying.

Then state your terms.

I want my inheritance back.

My birthright.

All of it.

Farms, mines, properties, cash, slaves. Everything.

Anything else?

Yes. I want a platoon of soldiers.

Oh, a... a platoon of soldiers.

- That's right. - And, in return what do I get?

You get to divorce Scribonia...

and marry Livia Drusilla of the Claudii -

one of the Five Great Families of Rome.

As you yourself said, there are only three reasons to marry.

Money, power or family.

And you have no family.

- And you have nothing else. - Perfect match, then.

You married Scribonia to seal a peace with Sextus

that will never last.

You can't leave him in Sicily with a fleet

that can cut off your grain supply whenever he wants.

And your families have never been friends.

Scribonia bought you time.

Nothing more.

Does your husband know you're here?

He's secretly planning to divorce me.

Hmm.

He thinks that my family's history

of supporting the Republic

will no longer help what one might laughingly describe

as his political career.

For your political career, however...

it's different.

My ancient patrician lineage gives you the class you need

to buy the Old Families in the Senate.

You...

a provincial nobody...

with no famous ancestors and no death masks in the atrium,

would instantly acquire all the honor and glamour

of my family's history.

You can't buy that.

Apparently you can.

Agrippa will marry you.

Not good enough.

No, there... there'd be a scandal.

If you care about that, I don't want to marry you.

Some people might hold me responsible

for your father's death.

He chose his own way.

Now I'm choosing mine.

Let me know.

What do you want the platoon of soldiers for?

And remember...

you already have my dowry.

- Agrippa! - Gaius.

I'm thinking of divorcing Scribonia.

What?

Why?

To marry Livia.

Livia.

Forgive me.

You're not serious.

Well, it makes sense for us politically.

- Does it? - Mm.

She buys us class. She buys us votes.

She buys me nothing.

She buys you a fucking scandal.

Dumping your pregnant wife

to marry someone else's pregnant wife.

- Is that even legal? - I'll speak to the Pontiffs.

We're hanging by a fucking thread here.

Marcus Antonius, his friends in the Senate,

those other fucks that want the Republic back,

they will cut you off like a fucking leper.

It's the only excuse they need.

What about Sextus?

If you get rid of Scribonia like this,

there's only one way he can take that.

I mean, we've only just announced the fucking treaty.

It'll mean war with Sextus.

It'll come to that anyway.

With all of them.

In the end.

I beg you, Livia.

Don't do this.

In Rome, women weave cloth and bear children.

We live quietly without a voice,

dutiful and modest, waiting to be bought,

- sold and married by our men. - Don't.

It's his decision. You know that.

You could stop it.

Divorcing Scribonia.

Marrying you.

It'll pull everything apart.

That's going to happen anyway.

You'll lose your boy.

And the baby.

I knew that from the start.

But if you want to watch the races...

you really do have to pay at the gate.

I'm just looking out for my friend.

By going to me behind his back?

Lucky for you I know how to keep my mouth tight shut.

I think we should be friends.

Know what I mean?

You'll have to wait outside. We're full.

Hey. Wait.

- Wait, wait, wait, wait. - Stay here.

Get the chains off!

What's going on?

Get dressed, Antigone.

The gods have finished fucking with us.

Ah.

Balbina.

I paid for this slave. I have the bill of sale.

She was freed, and you had no right to buy her.

That's for you to prove. The law says she's mine.

She's going nowhere without full compensation.

You're right.

She's going nowhere without full compensation.

Take all her money.

You have no idea who you're dealing with.

It no longer matters.

This will be home.

You'll be safe here with Gaius Julius

- until I can join you. - Yeah.

- How long? - I'm going to go find out now.

Thank you for the soldiers.

When will we be public?

At the end of the year.

I'll divorce Scribonia when she gives birth,

- and then we can be married. - The Pontiffs agreed?

Mm.

Of course, I have to give your children to their father.

It's the law.

We can keep everything a secret until the end of the year.

Will Marcus Antonius sit still in the East

while we take Sextus out of Sicily?

Or will they take sides against us?

Help me!

I need more water!

Bring more water, quickly!

Who the fuck is that?

I can help.

Get her on her feet. Come on, quickly.

- Okay. - Mm...

Steady now, steady.

It's fine. It's fine. It's fine.

It'd solve a lot of problems if she died.

Just saying.

You're doing good.

Yes, you're doing good. It's fine.

Push. Push.

- It's coming now. - You did good.

Great. Quick.

Good.

You did good.

You did good.

You did it.

I did it.

You did. You did.

How great.

I'm sorry, Lord.

It's a girl.

But the mother will live.

Do you give the child life or death?

- Life. - Good.

Congratulations.

It's like shitting... a statue.

But the girl, thank the gods, is healthy.

Oh.

Gaius gave her life...

and the name Julia.

I hope the voyage East was safe.

Oh, you look grim, Maecenas. What's the matter?

Spit it out.

What's happened?

He's divorced Scribonia.

I don't believe it!

Yes, after all you've done for me.

You whore!

You... Fuck! You whore!

A bit late for the principled stand.

Do you think he's a better bet than me?

How long do you think he'll last

sharing power with Marcus Antonius?

I'm sure you're right.

You always seem to be.

The man who killed your darling, dear father.

You betrayed the Republic, my father, and then me.

From that moment on, you were a ghost.

I just didn't tell you.

But anyway...

I hope you find a quiet, obedient widow.

With plenty of money.

Thank you, Tycho.

Oh, and I found Antigone.

Thank you both for your hospitality.

I won't forget.

Tiberius,

Mummy has to go now.

Hey?

As long as you live,

you will never see either of your children again.

Of course. That is your right.

But nobody lives forever.

It's okay.

Shut the fuck up! This is a respectable house.

Hey! You too! Stop it!

Shh!

Yes, I'm supposed to be gone.

There's always a lot more to pack than what you think.

Did you have to take my husband?

Did you have to invite me to dinner?

Her name's Julia.

We'll look after her.

How quickly one can rise...

when one has no feelings at all.

They're buried at Philippi.

Welcome home, Domina.

Prima.

That's Julia.

The baby, it's coming.

Where's Antigone?

What's wrong?

Antigone!

Breathe, Domina.

Come on. That's it.

Antigone!

Antigone!

It's fine. It's fine. It's fine. It's fine.

It's fine. I'm here now.

Come on, here.

Hold it here.

You're doing good.

Keep pushing.

One more push.

Come on.

That's it. Come on. One more push.

Push.

Push.

You're doing good.

Right, I can see it. It's almost there.

Great!

Yes.

Got him!

It's a boy.

Livia!

We ask great Saturn...

to whom these days of freedom are devoted

to bring us health and prosperity.

I've been telling you to step in

and stop them bullying Tiberius.

I've spent the last ten years

making friends with Octavia and Scribonia.

It's not a good time to start that fight.

Gaius won't give back power.

Like Caesar, he's defying the Senate.

Anything could happen.

I embraced your father after Philippi.

He asked me to look after you, but you betrayed him.

You married the man who destroyed him

and everything he believed in.

You have nothing left to prove.

Step back and make history

as the Roman who restored the Republic.

I don't want to be a dictator.

I want to be a god.

Then that's what we'll do.